TPD Insurance Calculator
CalculatorCalculate Total & Permanent Disability insurance needs. See how much TPD cover protects you if you can never work again due to illness or injury.
Total & Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance pays a lump sum if you become permanently unable to work due to illness or injury. Unlike income protection (which pays monthly until you recover), TPD is for worst-case scenarios — a spinal injury, severe stroke, or degenerative condition that ends your career permanently. The lump sum covers debt repayment, medical expenses, home modifications, and ongoing living costs. Most super funds include basic TPD, but it's often insufficient and uses the restrictive 'any occupation' definition.
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Real-World Examples
Surgeon with Own Occupation TPD
Dr. Chen, 42, earns $350,000. A hand tremor develops making surgery impossible.
Under 'own occupation': Dr. Chen can claim — she can't perform surgery. Under 'any occupation': claim likely DENIED — she could work as a consultant, lecturer, or GP. This illustrates why 'own occupation' is critical for specialists.
Tradesperson with Family
Dave, 38, earns $90,000. Mortgage: $400,000. Two kids. Has $150,000 TPD in super.
Recommended TPD: debts ($400,000) + income replacement ($90,000 × 22 years discounted ≈ $1,200,000) + medical ($20,000 × 22 = $440,000) = $2,040,000. Existing: $150,000. Gap: $1,890,000. Even a $1M policy would transform his family's situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Glossary
How to Use
- 1Enter your annual income and years to retirement.
- 2Add your total debts that would need to be cleared.
- 3Enter any existing TPD cover (check your super statement).
- 4Add estimated ongoing medical/care costs.
- 5Choose between 'own occupation' and 'any occupation' definitions.
- 6See your recommended TPD cover amount.
Key Information
- 'Own occupation' TPD: pays if you can't do YOUR specific job ever again. Broader, easier to claim.
- 'Any occupation' TPD: pays only if you can't do ANY job suited to your education/experience. Much harder to claim.
- Super fund TPD is typically 'any occupation' and $100,000-$300,000 — often not enough.
- TPD claims can take 6-18 months to be assessed and paid — you need income protection in the interim.
Pro Tips
- Always choose 'own occupation' if available and affordable — 'any occupation' is extremely difficult to claim.
- TPD through super uses 'any occupation' by default. Hold a separate 'own occupation' policy outside super for better protection.
- Combine TPD with income protection — IP covers you monthly while the TPD claim is being assessed.
- Review your super fund's default TPD amount — it's rarely enough to cover debts + future living costs.
Avoid These Mistakes
- Assuming 'any occupation' TPD will pay — if you can theoretically do ANY job (even part-time retail), the claim may be denied.
- Not having TPD at all because 'it won't happen to me' — 1 in 10 Australians will be seriously disabled before age 65.
- Relying solely on super fund TPD — default amounts ($100-300k) rarely cover a mortgage plus 20+ years of living costs.
- Not understanding that TPD and income protection serve different purposes — you typically need BOTH.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and should not be relied upon for financial decisions. Interest rates, fees, and policies change frequently. Always verify information with lenders directly. This is general information, not personal financial advice. Consider seeking advice from a licensed mortgage broker or financial advisor.
Last updated: February 2026